Operations Manager - Chemical or Mechanical Engineering background

The Operations Manager is responsible to lead and provide direction for the safe, reliable, cost-effective operation of the facility.  The Operations Manager generates tremendous value through:

Health, Safety & Environmental and Reliability Leadership
People Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
Business Owner Mindset/Financial Acumen
Technical Acumen and Continuous Improvement
Significant investment is underway to improve the safety and reliability of the facility as well as expand capacity for future business growth.

The Operations Manager has the overall responsibility and accountability for the Environmental, Health and Safety performance, plant assets, personnel, and achievement of plant-related business, site, and corporate goals.  The successful candidate will provide leadership, tactical direction through daily actions, and strategic direction through vision, goal setting, and mentoring.

 

Meets business and functional requirements concerning Health, Safety & Environmental, productivity, cost management, personnel development, plant reliability, management systems, and continuous improvement.
Provide leadership to the Production team, and all other office employees supporting the production team: Quality Assurance, Scheduling, Inventory, Resource Planning, Logistics/Warehouse, and Maintenance to ensure a safe and efficient manufacturing environment. Develop strong partnerships with support functions.  Drive continuous improvement and alignment in all aspects of the operation.
Supports the business in achieving its goals by aligning plant operations with the business strategy.
Relentlessly pursues maximum plant reliability to reduce unplanned events and support safe operations.
Knows and champions safety standards. Demonstrates priority and commitment through personal behavior.  Keeps a strong field presence and routinely assesses work activities to maintain awareness of plant needs and influence behaviors.  Sets the expectation in words and actions.
Understanding and strong leadership to ensure the highest standards regarding process safety.
Develop metrics and management systems to drive continuous improvement in health, safety & environmental, and reliability.
Ensures the Mechanical Integrity program is robust for safe operation. The Operations Manager is responsible for risk management decisions regarding any potential deferrals.
Ensures timely and effective investigations are conducted with appropriate corrective and preventative actions to prevent recurrence. Leverages lessons to other facilities.
Escalates issues appropriately to leadership through effective communications. Drive progress to meet the committed compliance date to maintain the facility’s license to operate.
Facilitates personnel development, counseling, motivating, and policy setting to create an environment for employees and work teams that supports a commitment to continuous improvement and empowerment.
Routinely interfaces with the development team and toll manufacturing team in matters related to new product introductions and existing production concerns. New product introductions are coordinated and implemented effectively.
Provides leadership support for empowerment by implementing relevant standard operating work processes and related procedures.
Ensures common sense implementation and ongoing effectiveness of global work processes/policies, operating discipline, management systems, enabling technologies, and roles to become a Highly Reliable Organization. Challenges inefficiencies and says “no” when needed.
Operates the facility within the financial guidelines and conducts monthly analysis to ensure costs comply with budgetary goals and functional guidelines. Track production variances and work to eliminate them.
Identify opportunities for product quality improvement (packaging, process efficiency, etc) and drive these initiatives through the leadership of the roles reporting in.
Plans and directs production activities and establishes production priorities to meet customer demands safely and cost-effectively.
Participate as a member of the North America Manufacturing Leadership Team and help to drive the strategy and goals for the region.
 

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.  A B.S. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

A minimum of 10 years of chemical manufacturing experience is required.  Experience and understanding of batch processing is a plus.

A minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience.

Proven record of Health, Safety & Environmental performance in their current and past area(s) of responsibilities.

A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally and permanently without work sponsorship.

Experience and knowledge in PSM (Process Safety Management) systems and OSHA 29 CFR 1910

Experience and knowledge in continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as Six Sigma, LEAN, Scrum…etc.

Experience and knowledge in root cause investigations/analysis tools and methodologies Other required skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Suite and ERP Systems such as Oracle. High level of proficiency with the latest office technology.

Strong analytical skills to define critical issues and develop methodologies for collecting/analyzing relevant data.

Strong communication, analytical, and technical skills, a keen interest in problem-solving and troubleshooting are essential.

Listens well and is aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and takes continuous action to improve personal capabilities.

Ability to prioritize and develop actionable recommendations and implementation plans.

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees at all levels within the organization.